September 19, 2011
By Alan Fairweather, The Motivation Doctor
First, we need to consider what we mean by a successful manager. I believe that there are two factors that identify a successful manager:
1. A manager who gets the job done
2. A manager who does it in the easiest and least stressful way possible.
Let’s be totally clear about point 1: – as a manager, you’ve got to achieve your target, your production figures or whatever it is that your organization requires of you. It’s one thing to have a happy motivated team; however it’s another thing if they’re not doing the work. If that’s the case, then you’re not a successful manager.
You also want to be able to go home at night in the knowledge that you’ve done what was required of you. That can be a great confidence booster and it also makes you feel good about yourself.
Don’t kill yourself
However, I’m sure that in being a successful manager and achieving your goals, you don’t want to kill yourself in the process. Too many managers are suffering from stress, losing sleep and damaging their family life. That’s not what success is all about and I’m sure it’s not what you want. Some managers seem to believe that stress and hassle are all part of territory, and that they should just accept it.
I’ve known successful managers in terms of achieving their targets who were not successful in their personal life. How many marriages have suffered because one of the partners was spending too much time being successful in their job?
How often has the relationship with our children suffered because of a lack of quality time spent with them?
I’ve know managers who’ve collapsed in the workplace due to stress. I’m sure you’ve also heard of sports coaches who’ve suffered heart attacks while watching a game.
It’s been said that success has to come at a price, however, that price should not be paid in terms of a troubled personal life. We can pay the price of success by changing our viewpoint, increasing our knowledge of human nature and making changes to the way we lead our teams.
John Wooden, ex UCLA Basketball coach, was voted the best sports coach of all time in a recent poll.
“I had a successful basketball career,” he wrote in his 1997 book Wooden. “But I believe I had an even more successful marriage.”
Successful managers have productive teams and they “win” at the lowest possible personal cost to themselves and their families.
About the Author
Alan Fairweather, ‘The Motivation Doctor,’ is an International Business Speaker, Best Selling Author and Sales Growth Expert. He is the author of two books: ‘How to be a Motivational Manager’ A down-to-earth guide for managers and team leaders. ‘How to Manage Difficult People’ Proven strategies for dealing with challenging behavior at work. Contact Alan at alan@themotivationdoctor.com.
